Haitian gang leader seeks UN help to open dialogue with security forces

Port-au-Price, (EFE).- Wilson Joseph, alias Lanmò San Jou, leader of Haiti’s 400 Mawozo gang, has reportedly asked the United Nations to mediate a peace dialogue with international forces deployed in the country, amid escalating operations against armed groups.

The request appears in a letter allegedly addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and circulated by Haitian media. Its authenticity and whether it was officially received by the United Nations have not been independently confirmed.

The communication was released ten days after more than 2,000 Salvadoran soldiers arrived in Port-au-Prince to search for four military personnel who disappeared following a gang attack on October 18 in Croix-des-Bouquets, an area where 400 Mawozo operates.

In the letter, Joseph claims he has been willing to pursue a peaceful solution since August through dialogue between his organization and international forces, apparently referring to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

He also warned that threats by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele against Haitian gangs could trigger further violence, arguing that the country needs dialogue and reconciliation rather than additional loss of life.

The alleged letter calls for a UN delegation to visit Haiti and facilitate negotiations between the parties involved.

Joseph is among Haiti’s most wanted gang leaders. The U.S. government offers a reward of up to US$1 million for information leading to his capture. He has also been linked to the 2021 kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries, most of whom were held for 61 days.

The 400 Mawozo gang is one of Haiti’s major armed criminal organizations, involved in kidnappings, extortion, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking.

The alleged peace appeal emerged as the Haitian National Police reported the deaths of approximately 20 gang members during an operation last Thursday in Arcahaie, northwest of Port-au-Prince.